Summer Love

Chapter Three

I didn't believe in love, at least that was what I think before. After Mom left us for someone else, I can't help but think that it wasn't true. I have minded long enough that couples regard love for something else: lust, attachment or companionship. But now I think, it is indeed true, but only to lucky people--that is why I improved my belief. 

I couldn't have been lucky to find love if it weren't for Dad's errand the next day after three days of tending the bakery. He and Ida needs to go for a competition in Washington for baking. That puts me in a situation with Jepperd. He asks Mr. Harrison if I can sleep at their house--just so I will be safe during the evening and in the morning I need to attend to the bakery. Tina somehow managed to learn Ida's pastries and is ready to take her place. 

So my routine was simple, morning at the bakery and evening at the Harrisons. 

It was my first night at the Harrisons when Jep was reprimanded by his uncle right after dinner. 

"I told you to stop hanging out with those boys Jep, look what happened!"

Mr. Harrison bursted out. There was a cut that ran through his forehead.

"Subway surfing is illegal honey, you know that."

Mrs. Harrison who was taking care of Jep's wound. It was just a scratch but it was badly bleeding. 

"I'm sorry guys," he was certainly guilty about what happened. When he saw me from the kitchen he immediately made a puzzle-look. 

"By the way, Ayn will be sleeping here for three days, his Dad went for something out of town."

Mrs. Harrison after seeing me.

"Hi Jep" was all I said.

"Hey."

Mrs. Harrison was now done putting up a plaster on the wound and stood up. 

"Eat your dinner and go to bed young man, you will not see those effin' boys again"

Mr. Harrison caught up to his wife.

I sat on the sofa and there was silence for at least a couple of minutes.

"How did you-?" I asked pointing to his forehead. 

"Ah, we were surfing and I accidentally tripped" he replied shyly.

I nodded. 

"So, won't you eat? The food's on microwave--" 

"Yeah, don't worry about me. I didn't know you'll be staying?" 

"Ah, I guess they did not inform you" 

"So, where would you sleep?" 

"First guest room on the left upstairs."

Few of my clothes are already here, I brought them a while ago.

"Oh, so we'll be neighbors huh?" he chuckled softly.

"I guess?" 

xxx

I left the Harrison's house at 6 because the key to the bakery is in my possession and I needed to open it early. Mr. Harrison was out taking a jog while Mrs. Harrison was cooking breakfast, I just grab some sandwich and head over. Jepperd wasn't still up when I left, I think he might have been tired or just too lazy to wake up like a typical teenager.

I've heard that the Summer Extravaganza is nearly coming up and will occur few weeks from now before the Spring, it might be fun. 

Dad will be staying in a hotel and got me the telephone number, I need to check on him later. After I sweep a little, Ivan came in and help me with morning chores, then just after a couple of minutes Tina arrived and the day was started. The smell of freshly-baked bread is all over the room and it kind of starving although I have taken my sandwich a proper breakfast would be better.

Like it was destined, a breakfast was then delivered by none other than, Jepperd. He said Mrs. Harrison asked him to bring me food since I didn't have breakfast. I thought he was gonna leave but he didn't even after I finished eating. 

The costumers started to rain the bakery after and I guess we had many regular ones, being a cashier isn't that tiring but today it is. 

"Don't you have errands for the day?"

I said to the boy after noticing he started to entertain some of the customers. 

"Nah, I like it here, can't I help you?"

He was counting for some change and put the bill inside the drawer. 

"Well, I can't deny I needed some." I smiled.

"Thanks." 

"But I won't do it for free" he replied c*****g his brow.

"Right, I can give you incentives." 

"Oh, you won't get to choose lady," he said making me confused.

"What?" 

"I'll have a movie marathon with you tonight, only then you can pay me back," he winked.

I laughed, "what a real gentleman."

I teased a bit of sarcasm. And rolled my eyes.

He chuckled. "Course, I still need to apologize on you" 

"For what?" 

"I left you alone on the yard last time right? Those boys were ,crazy" he sat on the corner across me.

"Psh, don't bother" 

"So, tell me why aren't they hitting on you?" 

"Ayn we ran out of food coloring!"

Tina shouted at the back room, Jep stopped.

"Hold on," I waved at the boy across me and head over the back.

"What color? And where do we buy 'im?" Tina was busy on the dough while Ivan's putting some bread on a plate. 

"At Wally's, red and yellow."

"Alright, I'll get them."

With that cue, I head back to get some money. 

"I'll go," Jep who now took off his hood offered.

His shirt was white and printed on the front 'LEGO'. He looks... clean.

"Really? I can do it," I replied in between agreeing and disagreeing.

"No, I can ride my bike to Wally's it won't be hard."